St. Catherine of Alexandria

About the Parish

St. Catherine of Alexandria is a Roman Catholic parish serving the Mapleton area just north of Oconomowoc in Wisconsin's Lake Country. It is part of the SCSJ Cluster with St. Joan of Arc Parish in Nashotah, sharing one pastor and a unified staff. As the parish's own About page states, St. Catherine's was established in 1847 and has been a cornerstone of the community for over 175 years, known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to living out the teachings of Christ.

Our History

The parish traces its roots to a small group of Irish Catholic farmers in Mapleton who began gathering for Mass in 1846–47 in the home of Alexander and Catherine Coyle. Fr. Thomas Morrissey formally established the parish in the summer of 1847, and the Coyles donated the land on which both the church and cemetery still sit. The present cream-brick Early Gothic Revival church was begun with the laying of the cornerstone on June 6, 1886; its bell tower bell was blessed in October 1899; and a careful 2000 renovation preserved the original sanctuary, stained glass, and ceiling paintings.

• Founded 1847 by Fr. Thomas Morrissey
• Cornerstone laid June 6, 1886
• Historic bell blessed October 1899 (Feast of the Holy Rosary)
• Renovated in 2000 to preserve original sanctuary and stained glass
• Celebrated 175th Jubilee in September 2022

Cluster with St. Joan of Arc

St. Catherine of Alexandria is clustered with St. Joan of Arc Parish in Nashotah (Delafield), which was founded in 1953 and runs a parish school (3K–8th grade). The two parishes share a single pastor, Fr. Yamid Blanco, and share business, music, religious education, and administrative staff. The cluster model lets each parish keep its own identity and Mass schedule while pooling resources.

• St. Joan of Arc: 120 Nashotah Road, Nashotah, WI — founded 1953
• St. Joan of Arc School serves 3K through 8th grade

Parish Staff & Clergy

Fr. Yamid Blanco (pronounced Jah-meed) was appointed Cluster Pastor on June 18, 2024 by Archbishop Jerome Listecki to lead both St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Joan of Arc. He is supported by parish and shared cluster staff including administrative, religious education, music, business, and environmental services personnel.

• Fr. Yamid Blanco — Cluster Pastor (appointed June 18, 2024)
• Mary Jackson — Religious Ed Program Assistant
• Cindy Birkel — Administrative Assistant / Bulletin Editor
• Brian Broker — Environmental Services

Sacraments

The seven sacraments are central to parish life at St. Catherine's. Baptisms are celebrated during a weekend Mass with required parent prep sessions and a meeting with the pastor. First Reconciliation and First Communion are typically celebrated in 2nd grade, with family meetings and a retreat. Confirmation is usually conferred during the Easter season of a youth's junior year of high school. Couples preparing for Matrimony must contact the pastor at least six months ahead and complete marriage prep including a FOCCUS meeting and an Archdiocesan retreat day. Anointing of the Sick and Funeral liturgies are also offered.

• Baptism — celebrated during weekend Mass
• First Reconciliation & First Communion — 2nd grade
• Confirmation — Easter season of 11th grade
• Matrimony — 6 months prep, FOCCUS couple, Archdiocesan retreat
• Anointing of the Sick & Funerals — contact parish office

Religious Education & Faith Formation

The cluster's Christian Formation Commission coordinates programs for all ages. Children in 4K–8th grade meet with catechists using the Finding God series from Loyola Press. Second graders receive Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion during class, with additional parent/child meetings and retreats. High school students (9th–11th grades) gather for service, discussion, reflection, and retreats, with Confirmation preparation culminating at the end of 11th grade. Adult formation includes 'Exploring the Gospel' (led by Janis Parker), a fall Church & Scripture Study with John Sokop, and a week-long Vacation Bible School each summer.

• 4K–8th Grade: Finding God curriculum (Loyola Press)
• 2nd Grade Sacramental Prep (First Reconciliation & First Communion)
• 9th–11th Grade Youth Ministry & Confirmation Prep
• Adult Formation: Exploring the Gospel, Church & Scripture Study
• Vacation Bible School (summer, grades 4K–5)
• Director of Religious Ed: Todd Weissenborn ([email protected])

Outreach & Service

Outreach is a major part of parish life at St. Catherine's, organized through the cluster's St. Vincent de Paul Society and Elizabeth Ministry, along with seasonal projects. SVdP conferences at both parishes make home visits and provide aid for rent, utilities, food vouchers, gas cards, clothes, household goods, and referrals, plus Thanksgiving baskets, Giving Trees at Christmas, and back-to-school backpacks. The Elizabeth Ministry walks with families through the joys and challenges of pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, and loss. The parish also partners with Family Promise of Waukesha County.

• St. Vincent de Paul Society — home visits, financial aid, food/clothing assistance
• Elizabeth Ministry — support for mothers and families
• Thanksgiving baskets, Giving Trees, back-to-school backpacks
• Family Promise of Waukesha County partnership
• Support for the sick, homebound, and those in need

Parish Life & Fellowship

Beyond liturgy and formation, the parish offers a range of social and wellness activities that build community among parishioners of all ages. Long-running social groups include the Sheepshead Card Club, Book Club, and Quilters, and the parish also hosts health and wellness initiatives such as blood pressure screenings and blood donor drives. The Worship Commission coordinates greeters, ushers, servers, readers, Eucharistic Ministers, and musicians for liturgies.

• Sheepshead Card Club
• Book Club
• Quilters
• Blood pressure screenings & blood donor drives
• Worship Commission (liturgical ministers & musicians)

Visit, Contact & Getting Involved

Newcomers and visitors are warmly welcomed. The parish office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and can be reached at 920-474-7000 or [email protected]. Fr. Yamid Blanco also welcomes direct contact at [email protected]. The parish invites newcomers to explore ministries through the bulletin, the 'Connect & Serve' page, or by speaking with any staff member.

• Parish Office: 920-474-7000
• Email: [email protected]
• Pastor email: [email protected]
• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM